Fraxel laser produces thousands of tiny columns of treatment in your skin. Unlike other laser treatments, Fraxel treatment is able to precisely treat thousands of microscopic areas of skin called microthermal zones (MTZs), using pinpoint laser beams that penetrate beneath the skin’s surface to eliminate damaged skin cells. Fraxel treatment stimulates the body’s own natural healing process which replaces damaged skin with fresh, glowing, healthy skin.

By design, Fraxel treatments will target between 20 and 30 percent of the skin’s surface, leaving the remaining untreated skin available to quickly heal the treated areas. This "fractional" treatment allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once.

Fraxel is safe and effective on delicate skin areas like the neck, chest and hands, in addition to the face. You can expect two levels of results, immediate and progressive. Immediately after initial healing is complete, the surface of your skin will feel softer, look brighter, and tone will start to become even. Progressive results occur over the next three to six months as the deeper layers of skin continue to heal.

Overview

At your initial consultation, Dr. Lafkas will determine the best treatment plan for your desired results. In general, an effective treatment regimen is 3 to 6 sessions, spaced about 2 to 6 weeks apart. Depending upon your condition and schedule, you may choose to space treatment sessions even further apart. Optimal improvement is usually visible in about 2 to 3 months.

Preparing for Treatment

Avoid significant sun exposure for 2 to 3 weeks prior to your Fraxel treatment. Also avoid topical retinoids in the weeks prior to treatment. Accutane should not be used within 6 months of Fraxel treatment. Please arrive to the office without any makeup. Ideally, it is best to wash your face just prior to your treatment.

Fraxel treatment requires topical anesthesia and a special cooling fan. Topical anesthesia needs to be applied 45 minutes prior to treatment, and treatments take 30 to 45 minutes. Please plan on being at Aesthetic Laser Care for a total of 2 hours on your Fraxel treatment date. Treatments are well tolerated and most people report mild to moderate burning during the treatment.

What Happens After Treatment

You will experience a moderate sunburn sensation for several hours after your treatment. You may apply make up or shave after your treatment. Most patients are able to return to routine activities, including work and social obligations, the same day of treatment. Others require a little more time, depending on their skin condition, age, and treatment level.

The skin may have a pinkish tone for 5 to 10 days. This is a normal sign that the skin is healing. Mild to moderate swelling is normal and generally resolves in 2 to 3 days.

New epidermal skin starts to develop within 24 hours. This process of skin repair involves:

Bronzing: Your skin will have a bronze appearance that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 days, depending on your treatment level. Flaking: Your skin will naturally and vigorously exfoliate as new skin replaces dead tissue. Flaking is similar to that of a minor sunburn, but without the associated pain. Use of a moisturizer will mask the appearance of flaking.

Sunscreen: Be sure to use sunscreen at least twice daily to protect your skin from sun exposure during both the healing phase and for several months after treatment. Apply a moisturizing sun block with an SPF of at least 30. For added protection, use wide-brimmed hats when in direct sunlight.

Over the following weeks and months, the body repairs the deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by the Fraxel treatment, producing longer beneficial changes associated with a healthy, youthful appearance.

* If you are prone to herpes, ask us for a prescription for Acyclovir. You will need to begin treatment 24-48 hours prior to treatment.